1. How do I do know which items to put on on an evening out?
I’m all about steadiness in relation to styling. I can’t bear the considered trying overdone, or as if I’ve tried too exhausting. So after I gown to exit, I’ll put on a pair of assertion earrings and both a cuff or a press release ring. On the uncommon event that I put on a necklace, I received’t put on earrings until they’re actually small, in order to not distract. For me, there have to be only one hero piece to set off an outfit. Alexis Foreman, artwork director and elegance curator, @alexisforeman
2. As you age, larger earrings and hoops can crush your ear, giving a saggy look. Is there a technique to keep away from this?
We consider that getting dressed and accessorising needs to be enjoyable and liberating, and it’s best to put on what makes you’re feeling like “you” at any age. For a lady over 50, we suggest choosing an earring with extra protection on the ear, in addition to bigger earring backs, which provide help and might diminish sagging. A light-weight earring (which doesn’t essentially imply a small earring!) can provide the phantasm of substance whereas nonetheless prioritising consolation. Eliza Higgins and Brinker Higgins, founders of Brinker + Eliza, @brinkerandeliza
3. How do I combine vintage jewelry with fashionable items?
Attempt beginning with a hero piece: perhaps a blinding classic brooch or a chunky gold bracelet, one thing that makes a press release. Then, pair it with clear, modern designs – assume smooth rings or a contemporary watch. The secret’s distinction: classic items have a wealthy look, so balancing them with clean, minimal, modern designs creates concord. Don’t overthink it! Layering fashionable and classic is about visible steadiness. Jewelry doesn’t simply accessorise; it enhances and elevates your total look. So don’t hesitate to combine and match. Susan Caplan, famend curator of classic jewelry, @susancaplan
4. How can I obtain the quiet luxurious look with out spending a fortune? Is it only a case of carrying gold?
There’s some wonderful high-street and mid-priced designer jewelry that received’t break the financial institution. The secret’s to stay with gold. Nothing oozes luxurious just like the sheen of molten gold. Nonetheless, neglect demure, barely there items; this season it’s all about assertion sculptural equipment. Bottega’s teardrop earrings, coiled bracelets and sculpted rings began the development. The secret’s to make the singular piece do the speaking. Whether or not it’s Tilly Sveaas’s signature T-bar on a chunky chain (Taylor Swift is an enormous fan), & Different Tales’ sculptural wrap necklace or Otiumberg’s oval hoops, plain or with discreet Pavé, the significance is to let that one piece do all of the speaking. Deborah Brett, style editor and designer, @deborahbrett
5. Is there a brand new twist on the curated ear?
Sure, the twist is that needing piercings to create a stacked look is gone. Our ear-cuff class is certainly one of our bestselling, and we’ve seen all age teams purchase into our sculptural cuffs, which layer up the ear effortlessly and comfortably. The layering of cuffs offers a daring, stacked and complex look with completely no piercing required. Rosanna Wollenberg, co-founder of Otiumberg, @otiumberg
6. Are there guidelines for matching bracelets with necklaces, earrings and rings?
There are a couple of unwritten guidelines to tie all the pieces collectively. I counsel sticking to 1 metallic tone with related motifs and floor ending. For instance, I’d pair an organically formed bracelet with a distinct fashion of organic-looking chain necklaces, rounded earrings and rings in related metallic tones to create an fascinating concord. Yoon, founding father of Tokyo-based jewelry web site Ambush, @yoon_ambush
7. Are there any ideas for carrying different-coloured jewelry, or what shade I ought to select?
I like one thing that brings out your eye color. Put on stones that improve the color of the outfit or conflict with it – there’s something enjoyable about juxtaposing colors. I wish to serve up the sudden, moderately than the plain matchy-matchy. In the end, the stone color simply wants to talk to you. It’s essential to really feel nice in it. Marisa Horden, founder and artistic director of Missoma
8. Is it time to re-think the necklace stack and transfer on to a brand new look?
There’s completely no must ditch the necklace stack if it really works for you. Let your necklace selections be an expression of you. Which may imply carrying three chains, with or with out pendants, of accelerating size and dimension; or stacking two huge, daring assertion necklaces in the identical form, however produced from totally different metals; this runs counter to the prescribed notion of carrying totally different sizes. Simply have enjoyable. Assume, what makes me really feel good right here? That’s a really fashionable method of doing jewelry. Kenya Hunt, editor-in-chief, Elle UK
9. What’s one of the best ways to realize an on the spot fashion replace?
Boho has been the big-hitter for the previous few seasons: Chloé’s necklaces embellished with playful charms and pendants, to shells and creature motifs. This development continues, however with a brand new twist and one you could undertake – and even attempt a bit of DIY. Hammered silver and hand-cast pendants had been noticed suspended from satin ribbons and shaggy strands of yarn at Dries van Noten. A trick you need to use to adapt or rework your charms and pendants is so as to add a vibrant, corded ribbon or slim upholstery twine to interchange the chain, and fasten with a neat bow. Voilà! An on the spot replace to your jewelry field, and simply changeable to work with any look. Beaded and glass-blown flowers as necklaces had been used as ending particulars at Bottega Veneta and Alberta Ferretti (Etsy has an ideal choice). Saint Laurent opted for pure opulence with assertion cuffs, worn stacked or over sleeves. The Flowy Bangle from edblad.com (£95) and Wolf and Badger’s Summary Gold Assertion Cuff Bracelet (£60), elevate a shirt to runway standing immediately. A Solange ring (hotlipsbysolange.co.uk, £215) in black cherry or bubble gum pink gives you an on the spot pop of color and pleasure. Harriet Inexperienced, the Observer Journal editor
10. Is it OK to re-design your engagement ring after you’ve worn it for years?
Sure, it’s completely OK to go for a redesign. What I really like about jewelry is that it carries reminiscence; the stones have sentimental worth. You don’t lose that if you reshape an previous engagement ring into a brand new piece, or add new stones to it, or place it in a brand new setting or design. They carry the story of the second and the engagement; it’s nonetheless the identical materials. Some folks like so as to add birthstones to signify the beginning of their youngsters, or add stones from a mother or father’s jewelry. The transformation of your unique engagement ring is usually a speaking piece, and you may embrace your companion in that. Ruth Tomlinson, jeweller, @ruthtomlinsonjewellery
11. 5 of the perfect reasonably priced jewellers that needs to be on my radar?
My most complimented piece is the sparkly Christy ring from Daphine (£120), which I’ve had for 4 years and has but to vary shade – my finest funding by way of cost-per-wear. For related at half the value, head to Orelia the place costs begin from £18. Whether or not you’re a chunky earring fan or your ears are peppered with delicate piercings, Seol & Gold is the place for fascinating designs you may humblebrag about, with earrings beginning at £6.40. For those who’re on a funds however need your jewelry to appear and feel costly, flip your consideration to the rising tarnish-free class. By Rae and Hey Harper are the waterproof manufacturers to notice, with items that look steeper than their value tags counsel. I swear by the latter, which operates on a the-more-you-buy-the-bigger-the-discount foundation – harmful territory when you’re a magpie like me. Krissy Turner, style and wonder director at Eliza, @misskrissyturner
12. How can I put on chunky necklaces with out trying like an MP?
A technique is to keep away from carrying a chunky necklace with that stiff, formal day-dress, officewear look. As an alternative, put on an enormous necklace and gown it down. Beneath an open shirt, on prime of naked pores and skin. Or on prime of a jumper, with denims. The high-low combine is at all times a great one. Good to put on with a night gown or tux, too. Solange Azagury-Partridge, jewelry designer @solangeazagury
13. My husband not too long ago purchased me a necklace for my birthday that I simply don’t like. What’s the perfect jewelry etiquette that doesn’t damage his emotions?
I’d would wholeheartedly say hHonesty is the perfect coverage. In any other case, you’ll discover him repeatedly shopping for you presents you don’t like. Whatever the reality you don’t just like the necklace, it’s vital to precise real thanks for the thought and energy put into it. So far as etiquette goes, a considerate gift-giver ought to embrace a present receipt. Embody him if you return or swap the necklace, present him what you want and the items you don’t, and clarify why. I counsel taking a leaf from one other knowledgeable, Sophia Neophitou, and curate a collection of items you want and let your husband select what he needs to purchase you. Jo Jones, style editor, the Observer Journal
14. Is it attainable to put on a pearl necklace with out trying like an 80s Sloane Ranger?
Pearls and pearl jewelry are having an enormous renaissance. They’re now not consigned to the archival appears to be like of neat rows of pearls and chokers as worn by the late Diana, Princess of Wales. For me, pearls have turn out to be an on a regular basis fashion staple and I really like carrying and styling them for any event – workwear, formal and get together appears to be like and, most significantly, with a extremely informal outfit. And that’s my prime tip: swap up your pondering and preconceptions of a pearl and throw them on together with your most informal and easy look: denims and T-shirt or roundneck knit. Additionally layer, layer, layer to provide your pearls a contemporary fashion refresh. Layer with chunkier or extra delicate chains in gold and silver to create textural layers and add an edge, and even fashion with diamonds so as to add an additional dose of glam and lustre to your outfit. Drape your pearls, add totally different sizes and hues for a nod to 90s Chanel however decidedly 2024. There are some nice finds on the excessive road: modern pearl jewelry that’s rather more natural, inventive and architectural trying, from a freshwater pearl necklace at Cos for £65 to nice Zara necklaces from £19.99. Emily Fitch Miller, style and artistic artwork director, @emilyfitchm
15. The place’s a great place to purchase an moral, entry-level diamond ring?
There’s a number of greenwashing in jewelry round recycled metals and lab-grown stones, so select rigorously. Most impartial jewellers will have the ability to let you know the origin of their supplies and the design will likely be extra particular. Lylie jewelry, specialising in moral sourcing, affords a comparability information on-line for mined, lab-grown and classic diamonds. It’s also possible to ship in your unworn jewelry and obtain a credit score voucher in the direction of a brand new piece. Vintage diamonds are one other moral technique to store, both via a jeweller or at public sale. Take into account colored gems like tourmaline, aquamarine and white topaz as a extra reasonably priced various to diamonds as the value per carat is decrease. There are a number of jewellers specialising on this. Gee Woods is an efficient instance, as she sources lovely gems and units them in additional fashion-forward settings, and every is certainly one of a sort. Fentonand.co affords a web-based build-your-own ring service; select your stone, minimize, metallic, setting, and so on, and the pricing could be very clear, so that you don’t must ask awkward questions on prices. Sarah Royce-Greensill, freelance jewelry editor, author and marketing consultant
16. Ought to I save my cocktail ring for particular events and nights out?
Put on them anytime! No cocktail ring is an excessive amount of for on a regular basis. Placing jewelry on within the morning is a part of your armour and, in contrast to a black silk get together gown, you may put on a cocktail ring to the workplace – it’s not only for events. I’ve a favorite Nineteen Forties one which’s like a gold walnut whip with a diamond that I wore day-after-day for years. You won’t be somebody with a pink leopard coat, however jewelry is a method of expressing your self in a much less intense method. Consider it as a mini insurrection, notably if you must put on a uniform or clothes to work that doesn’t really feel such as you. Bear Brooksbank, jeweller
Mixing metals is a extremely good technique to create a enjoyable layered look. I notably love stacking rings and bangles. I like carrying silver and gold on the identical finger. I really like including a diamond pavé bangle in silver to a stack of gold cuffs and bangles. It’s a method of constructing diamonds look extra informal, but it surely nonetheless appears to be like curated. However I might encourage everybody to play with stacks: there are not any guidelines and many pretty combos if you play with scale, alternating textures and finishes. And it’s nice to combine gold, rose gold and silver, too. The trick is to let one space shine. In case your wrists are stacked with tri-metal bangles, preserve your earrings easy or skip a necklace altogether. Listed below are my prime three ideas: 1) Create a hero piece and construct round it; 2) Preserve types cohesive: whether or not minimalist or daring, follow a theme throughout your jewelry; 3) Layer textures – a clean gold bangle paired with a hammered-silver cuff provides depth and dimension. Monica Vinader CEO and founding father of Monica Vinader jewelry
18. What are the highest ideas for getting classic jewelry?
My go-to classic shops for nice jewelry are Liberty, the place costs begin at £250 for pearl earrings, and Grays Vintage Market in London. The market is filled with impartial stallholders and shares a tremendous collection of classic and new items. For distinctive heirloom nice jewelry that I’ll move down via my household, I’m going to Pennisi in Milan. There are such a lot of items on-line, however I’m the kind who likes to see issues in individual and know what I’m shopping for. The good factor about antiques markets versus malls is you could haggle; anticipate to barter as much as 20% off. I really like Annina Vogel, who takes classic items and mounts them in a contemporary method. For Christmas or birthdays, my husband likes to purchase for me, however my style could be very particular, so I’ll shortlist three objects from a favorite boutique, and he’ll select one from that. It really works superbly as a result of I get what I need, but it surely’s nonetheless a shock. Sophia Neophitou, international editor-in-chief, 10 Journal and 10 Males
19. How would you go about constructing a appeal bracelet?
Appeal bracelets make wonderful presents, particularly for an 18th or twenty first birthday. I really like a curated assortment of charms acquired over time to mark milestones and reminiscences. There are two predominant types of bracelet: one with bigger hyperlinks (stations) at intervals to connect the charms, or squarer-looking open hyperlinks with sufficient gaps to connect the appeal anyplace on the bracelet. Many more recent charms clip simply into place, like Astley Clarke’s (from £38) and lilycharmed.com’s biscuit charms (£40). With classic charms, connect them with a soar ring and jewelry pliers (reward a set with the bracelet; Hobbycraft and Amazon promote units). The way you construct it will depend on private aesthetic. For those who choose a sure stage of uniformity, a Pandora bracelet will work nicely (charms from £25). My favourites are extra distinctive charms discovered after a great rummage at an antiques market or a scroll on Etsy. Anninavogel.com specialises in Victorian solid-gold charms (from £150), with all the pieces from tiny cake stands, to galleons, to an intricate gumball machine. For those who’re impatient and wish it already accomplished, Alex Monroe’s LOVE bracelet (£375) has a whimsical really feel. Helen Seamons, stylist, the Observer Journal
20. What’s one of the best ways to shine and preserve your jewelry clear?
Most respected jewellers provide free fundamental cleansing, however care is required since some gems and supplies are delicate to warmth, chemical substances and vibrations. Ultrasonic cleaners, which use water and detergent, are efficient, however may be harsh on delicate items. At residence, I at all times suggest folks use a daily toothbrush (perhaps one now not in use for dental hygiene) with heat water and dish cleaning soap answer to softly clear their jewelry. Give attention to hard-to-reach areas, like behind the stones. Rinse, shake off extra moisture and dry with a paper towel. A sprucing fabric works nicely for bigger surfaces, adopted by rinsing and drying. For tarnish, use a silver-dip answer (primarily for silver or gold-plated items). Make sure you use in a well-ventilated space, because it comprises ammonia and smells like dangerous eggs. Shine on! Stephen Webster MBE @stephenwebsterjewellery.
